Coercion (The Cassano Series Book 3)

by Scarlet Wolfe

  “Zev, what are you doing?”

  “I’m going to breathe you in,” he says as his nose grazes from my cheek down to my neck. “I’ve missed how incredible you smell.”

  His erection shoves against me, his grip on my wrists becoming tighter. I’m turned on, secretly wishing he would take me right here.

  “So, you’ve missed me?”

  He stills, and I feel his labored breaths against my ear.

  “Yeah, I have missed you. Go out with me tomorrow night.”

  “I can’t. I have plans.”

  His head raises, his gaze intense and full of desire.

  “Break them.”

  “Zev, I can’t. Um, they’re with one of your clients, Brian Nash.”

  “All the more reason to break them.”

  “No, I’m not doing that to him last minute.”

  “Fuck. He’ll make a move, and what will you do?”

  My head falls over. “It seems I can’t shake you, either, so I’m not sure.” Tilting my chin up with his finger, Zev stares into my eyes.

  “I’m fucking you this weekend.”

  A little pissed at his arrogance, I scowl.

  “Let me go, Zev. Do you have work for me to do or not?”

  He smirks. “Since you’re so sweet, it’s cute when you get frustrated.”

  I combat the urge to smile, but it’s hopeless.

  “You’re peculiar.”

  “That’s better than you calling me an asshole. I guess I will let you work.”

  “Oh, how kind of you.” Just like that, he lets my wrists go and steps away. I’ve got news for him. He’s not going to screw me once and then toss me aside.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Simon

  I’m out on the porch Saturday night before bed, scrolling through my messages. Since my mother was doing so well, we extended our trip once we arrived.

  I’ve been gone a while, so I text Zev to ensure everything is still running smoothly back in Vegas.

  Me: How’s it going?

  Zev: Uh, fine.

  Me: Are you keeping a watch over D/s and Elite?

  Zev: Yes and no. Kruse and Shannon are helping. Something came up that’s occupying my time.

  My brother is being vague. We tell each other almost everything, and I’m feeling like he’s keeping something from me.

  M: What came up?

  Zev: I have everything under control.

  Me: Yeah, I believe you, but you’re withholding information, and I want the scoop when I return.

  Zev: Maybe

  Me: What the fuck does that mean?

  Whatever. I shut my phone off, not waiting for his reply. He’s acting unlike himself, and it’s freaking me out. Zev is typically straightforward.

  The front door opens to the porch of my childhood home. I look back, expecting Sadie, but instead it’s my sister, Aggie.

  “Aggie, what’s up?”

  “I thought it would be nice to have a few moments alone with my baby brother. Is that too much to ask?” She smiles and flips her long, auburn hair over her shoulder.

  “No, of course not.” I motion to the spot on the top step next to me. “Have a seat. I have a question for you, anyway.”

  “Shoot, Simon.” She leans over, nudging me with her shoulder.

  “What is going on with Mom? Why is she so well this trip?”

  “It was a compromise.”

  “What do you mean?”

  My sis gazes at me with her hazel eyes. “To allow her to refuse the cancer treatment, I made her agree to take psych meds to treat her schizophrenia.”

  “No way. How long do you think it will last this time?”

  “She promises until she passes.” Aggie has tears in her eyes but swiftly blinks them away. “Since she isn’t paranoid, she’s taking them every day upon my request.”

  “I’m impressed, Aggie.”

  “I think she saw them as the lesser of two evils. She’s more skeptical of the chemotherapy. This is the best I’ve ever seen her, so we need to get Zev to New Jersey while she’s happy.”

  “I agree. He wouldn’t believe it. It’s been years since she’s been this lucid.”

  “I know. It’s wonderful, and I only wish we had more time with her this way.” My sister’s tears visit again, and this time they make their appearance known. I pull her against me, and her head rests against my chest.

  “I’m sorry, sis. You’re so close to her. I know this has to be anguish for you.”

  “It is, but I’m trying to make the most of the time I have left with her.” She brushes the tears from her eyes and sits up. “So, let’s talk about something else that’s wonderful.”

  “OK …”

  “Sadie. She’s incredible, Simon. I mean, absolutely splendid. She’s in there right now playing cards with Miranda, Karen and Ma.” Aggie smirks. “I can’t believe you and Adrian are dating sisters. It’s too funny. The oldest and youngest brothers.”

  “No kidding. I care about her like I’ve never cared about anyone outside of this family.” Feeling nervous, I’m jonesing for a cigarette. My foot starts tapping as I reach in my pocket for a piece of gum.

  “I’m happy for you, Jersey. As sad as I am about losing Mom, I’m looking forward to joining you and the rest of our family in Las Vegas. It will be a fresh start for me.”

  I pull my sister close to me again. “I’m looking forward to it, too. Oh, man. You single and living it up in Vegas. Be prepared for your brothers to be overprotective.”

  She rolls her eyes. “I’m thirty-five. I think I can take care of myself.”

  “Trust me. You haven’t seen Adrian in action in a long time. He’s crazy protective of Victoria. I can only imagine what he’ll be like once you’re in Vegas.”

  “I can handle him. He owes me some patience after his behavior over the years.”

  I chuckle. “Oh, you two are going to be fun to witness. I can’t wait.” I glance at my watch. “I better get inside and lure Sadie to bed. It’s late.”

  “OK. I love you, Simon. Please, get Zev to come see me.”

  “I’ll get him here.”

  Aggie follows me into the house. It’s eleven once I finally drag Sadie to my room.

  “I love your family. They’re amazing, and your mom seems to be doing well,” she says enthusiastically.

  “I found out why she’s behaving right now. She’s back on medication. She has refused to take it for years. It’s a screwed up situation when dealing with a schizophrenic.

  “In many cases, they’re extremely paranoid of the very thing that will make them feel better. It won’t cure it, but it can sure as hell help their symptoms. They help my mother, anyway.”

  “I’m grateful you got to see her like this.” Sadie nuzzles against me in my full size bed. Her fingers roam along my chest, and it’s getting me excited.

  I flip over and lie on top of her. “Simon,” she says in a harsh whisper.

  “Sadie,” I say back teasingly before I consume her mouth with mine. Her tongue quickly catches on, and my cock rapidly grows against her pelvis.

  “We’re having sex in this bed tonight. I’ve been without for days, so you might as well make it easy on me. I don’t want to have to tickle you. The screaming on your part would be embarrassing, don’t you think?”

  I’m smirking at her, and the moonlight peeking in between the curtains reveals her smile.

  “OK, but we have to be quiet,” she whispers.

  “You got it, doll.”

  ***

  Sadie’s head rests on my chest, her fingers once again tracing the small patch of hair.

  “That was fan-fucking-tastic. You made a dream of mine come true.”

  “What’s that?” she asks, propping herself up on one elbow.

  “I never got to fuck a girl on this bed as a teenager. You’re the first.”

  She pokes my chest. “And I hope the last. I’m glad I’m the first, too.” She smiles at me and looks as if she wants to say
more. I have a grander appreciation for the moonlight as it makes her dark hair shine. Her blue eyes are bold like crystals among it.

  “Simon,” she says, glancing downward.

  I tilt her chin up, so she’ll give me another view of that pretty face of hers. “What is it?”

  Smiling shyly, she trails her fingers down my chest.

  “I love your family almost as much as I love you.”

  My breath halts as I release her chin and cup her cheek.

  “You love me?”

  “Yes, Simon. I already love you.” She leans against my cheek and closes her eyes, maybe from feeling vulnerable. I feel it, too.

  I’m protective of my family, especially my mother. The fact I wanted Sadie here alluded to the significance of our relationship. After seeing her interact with them, I’m certain I feel that strongly for her, too.

  “Sadie, I love you, too. I sinceriously love you like crazy, doll.”

  As her eyes fly open, the most vibrant grin lights up my room brighter than any moon or stars could. Her head lays back onto my chest, and she wraps her arm snugly around my waist. “I pray nothing ugly like cancer takes you from me. I couldn’t cope with it.”

  Pulling her closer, I kiss the top of her head. Shit, how will I ever tell her there’s a chance that prison is in my future?

  She was persistent to be with me, but it was selfish on my part. I’ve tried to keep the faith that it will all work out, but what if it doesn’t? Will she forgive me?

  Zev

  I wait down the street like a stalker. I estimated Tara’s arrival home to be around eleven, but it’s already midnight, and she hasn’t returned. What has she been doing with that asshole, Brian? The taping of his poker tournament wrapped up two hours ago.

  Simon texted me earlier, wanting to know how things were going. I’ve totally ditched my responsibilities at Submission. I should be supervising his club, along with Elite.

  Hell, I should be there tonight to watch over my own responsibilities, but instead, I left Shannon and Kruse to handle it all. I’ve got a new obsession, and it’s disturbing.

  I watch as a vehicle finally comes down the road toward me. Before reaching my car, it turns into a parking space in front of Tara’s condo. She exits with Brian, and he walks her to her door.

  Kissing her cheek, he then stalls. I imagine he’s trying to get her to ask him in. My girl behaves, and he leaves her to return to his car.

  My girl. Why am I calling her that? She’s a woman I might hang out with for a bit after I fuck her.

  I ensure he’s gone, and then I wait, not wanting to appear desperate. I let a good twenty minutes pass before I approach her house. Knocking on her door, I wait and wait. I knock again, and she finally answers.

  “Zev, hi.” Her hair is piled on top of her head, and she’s in tiny blue pajama shorts and a paler blue tank top that has little white daisies on it. Of course. “I’m sorry it took me a minute. I was washing off my makeup. Um, what are you doing here?”

  “I wanted to ensure you made it home safely.”

  She grins. “Are you checking up on me after my date?”

  “Don’t call it that.”

  Her head slants. “Are you jealous?”

  “No, I’m not jealous.” I can’t help but smile, and I feel my face turning red. Am I jealous? I guess a little.

  “Would you like to come in?”

  “Sure.” The only light in the living room is projected from a small lamp on an end table.

  “All I have to drink is beer and bottled water.”

  “A beer’s perfect.”

  “We can sit in the chair again if you’d like. I promise I won’t talk football.” She flaunts a grin before reaching into the refrigerator.

  “I never tire from talking about football.”

  “I don’t know. We fell asleep doing that very thing.” She slightly giggles, and it’s a warming sound.

  “How was the tournament?”

  She shrugs as she pads back toward me.

  “Interesting. Brian took third place, so he wasn’t in the best mood on the way back here.”

  “So, did he try to invite himself in?”

  She smiles and takes a seat next to me in the two person chair. “Yes, but obviously I declined.”

  “Why did you let me in?”

  “I like you, and for that reason, I don’t mind your unauthorized groping.” She blushes and looks away. Taking hold of her chin, I pull it back to me.

  “I’m glad I’m here instead of him, and I’ll do as much groping as you’ll allow.”

  “I guess it’s not really groping since I enjoy it.” Her words are soft-spoken, and she’s gazing at me naughtily. My untouched beer is immediately set on a table, and I reach for her.

  “Hold up,” she exclaims. Her finger comes out in front of her, and she directs it straight toward me. “If we mess around, you better see me again. I mean it, Zev. I know how to find you.”

  I smirk. I fucking love it when she gives me attitude.

  “OK.”

  She didn’t say we have to be in a relationship.

  Tara grins at me, and in no time, I’m feeling her up and devouring her neck. She smells of flowers and strawberries, and it reminds me of summertime back in Jersey.

  Summer is the season my mother has always been the happiest, and my dad made a point of being home with us more. We took vacations, and I played outside with my siblings.

  Everything about this woman equates to happiness, and it’s something I need more of in my life. I didn’t realize it until she showed it to me in her giggles, sexy smiles and shimmering blue eyes. Her wit and interesting conversation add to it, too.

  Releasing my hold on her, I stand from the chair and reach out my hand. “Where’s your bedroom?”

  “Why?” she asks impishly.

  I smirk. “Do you honestly need me to say it?”

  “I want to hear you say it.”

  Dropping my hand, I lean over and plant my palms to each side of her thighs. I stare into those great big eyes full of excitement. “I’m going to taste your pussy and then fuck it. Is that clear enough for you?”

  Her mouth rounds. “Oh, yes–crystal.”

  Chapter Twenty

  Tara

  Zev’s words send the heat coursing through me. It’s especially scorching between my thighs. Standing up, he stretches his hand out to me once more.

  He’s handsome as ever in white athletic shorts and a green V-neck t-shirt, which make his hazel eyes richer. His pitch-black hair is messy in the front, and I’ve never seen him dressed so casually. This look is sexy, too.

  I take his hand and lead the way to my bedroom. There is not much to it. A dresser and a queen size bed, but I do have a spacious walk-in closet. Zev chuckles upon entering my room.

  “What are you laughing at?” I ask.

  “It’s decorated in yellow.”

  “So, it still looks grown-up.”

  Yanking on my arm, Zev spins me around and up against him. His hand squeezes my waist as the other cups my cheek. The added sincerity in his gaze and smile make it an out of character gesture for him.

  “I’m laughing because it’s cheery and sunny. It’s the way I would expect it, sweetheart.”

  “Do you only spend time with me for the amusing entertainment?”

  “I’m spending time with you because you’re fascinating, smart and happy. Oh, and because you’re sexy as sin.”

  He pulls my hair free from its tie, causing it to fall to my shoulders. My tank is grasped next and pulled over my head. I’m not wearing a bra, so Zev’s eyes zoom in on my chest.

  Gradually, I pull down my shorts and panties and step out of them. His gaze stalks farther down my body as his tongue darts out to wet his lips.

  “So fucking beautiful.” I turn my head away from him, but he brings it back with his thumb on the cleft of my chin. “Don’t look away from me again tonight. I plan on seeing all of you, those captivating eyes included.”


  “OK,” I say breathlessly.

  He strips off his tennis shoes and socks, along with the rest of his clothing. His gaze only leaves mine briefly as I watch. He reaches in the pocket of his gym shorts and pulls out a condom.

  Once he stands straighter, I’m blown away by his physique. The V along his hips is more defined than any I’ve seen, and his thighs are solid muscle.

  The exquisite specimen of a male must only have time to focus on his career and exercise. It’s no wonder his sex life is quick and meaningless. At least, that’s what I’ve gathered from our conversations.

  Tonight Zev seems different. He appears more relaxed as we “hang out.” Maybe he has genuinely enjoyed my non-sexual companionship. Right now, I hope talking is suspended. His touch is what I crave tonight.

  As he closes the few steps between us, I find myself stepping back to the end of my bed. Sitting back onto it, I grasp his hips and pull him toward me.

  Desire permeates his hungry eyes as I tilt mine to look at him. My mouth opens, taking his generous sized cock between my lips.

  Tossing the condom onto the bed, his fingers plunge into my hair. One of my hands holds his erection as the other slips around to clutch his steely ass. I wish to revel in his body that is like a piece of art.

  I’ve mostly pleased men because it was expected, but tonight I do it because the longing is overpowering.

  Zev groans as he brings my head toward him. He slides along my mouth with ease, and I take him farther back.

  “Stop,” he says, gripping my hair tighter and steadying my head.

  “Am I doing something wrong?” I ask as I wipe my mouth.

  “God, no, and as much as I’d like to let you finish, I’m doing what I said before we entered this room.”

  “Please, Zev, let me finish. I want to more than anything.”

  “Fuck, you’re amazing.” Easing his erection downward, I slide my eager mouth back over it and suck. I’m certain I’ve rekindled the fire when he’s thrusting in a rhythm between my lips, his fingers woven tightly throughout my long locks.